Pakistan
Rice Quotes Mixed Today; Other Asia Rice Quotes Unchanged
Feb 05, 2015
Pakistan rice sellers lowered
their quotes for 5% broken rice and Parboiled rice by about $10 per ton and
about $5 per ton to around $345 - $355 per ton and around $395 - $405 per ton,
respectively, and increased their quotes for 100% broken rice by about $10 per
ton to around $290 - $300 per ton. Other Asia rice sellers kept their quotes
mostly unchanged today.
5% Broken Rice
Thailand 5% rice is quoted at
around $405 - $415 per ton, about $50 per ton premium on Vietnam 5% rice shown
at around $355 - $365 per ton. India 5% rice is quoted at around $395 - $405
per ton, about $50 per ton premium on Pakistan 5% rice quoted at around $345 -
$355 per ton, down about $10 per ton from yesterday.
25% Broken Rice
Thailand 25% rice is quoted at
around $365 - $375 per ton, about $40 per ton premium on Vietnam 25% rice shown
at around $325- $335 per ton. India 25% rice is quoted at around $360 - $370,
about $50 per ton premium on Pakistan 25% rice quoted at around $310 - $320 per
ton.
Parboiled Rice
Thailand parboiled rice is quoted
at around $405 - $415 per ton. India parboiled rice is quoted at around $390 -
$400 per ton, about $5 per ton discount to Pakistan parboiled rice quoted at
around $395 - $405 per ton, down about $5 per ton from yesterday.
100% Broken Rice
Thailand broken rice, A1 Super,
is quoted at around $320 - $330 per ton, about $15 per ton premium on Vietnam
100% broken rice shown at around $305 - $315 per ton. India's 100% broken rice
is shown at around $295 - $305 per ton, about $5 per ton premium on
Pakistan broken sortexed rice quoted at around $290 - $300 per ton, up about
$10 per ton from yesterday.
FAO
Estimates 2014-15 Global Rice Production to Decline Slightly y/y to 496.2
Million Tons
Feb 05, 2015
Oryza.com -
The UN's Food and Agricultural
Organization (FAO) has estimated 2014-15 global rice production to decline
marginally to around 496.2 million tons from last year's 496.8 million tons,
and marginally up from its previous estimate of 495.6 million tons. The decline
in world's rice production is attributed to decline in production in South
America, Sri Lanka, Australia and Madagascar, according to the FAO.
The FAO estimates 2014-15 global
rice utilization at around 500.1 million tons, up about 2% from around 490.1
million tons in 2013-14 and slightly up from its previous estimate of 499.6
million tons due to a likely increase in consumption in many countries. It
estimates the average world per capita consumption at around 57.5 kilograms in
this year.
It estimates global rice trade in
2014-15 at around 41 million tons, slightly down from around 41.3 million tons
last year and up about 1.2% from its previous estimate of 40.5 million tons.
The increase is due to rising demand by African countries and abundant supplies
in exporting countries.
The FAO estimates 2014-15 global
ending stocks at around 177.6 million tons, down about 2% from around 181.1
million tons last year and slightly up from its previous estimate of around
177.4 million tons. The decline is mainly due to fall in rice stocks in India,
Indonesia and Thailand.
Global Rice
Quotes
February 6th, 2015
Long grain white rice - high quality
Thailand 100% B grade 415-425
↔
Vietnam 5% broken 350-360 ↓
India 5% broken 395-405
↔
Pakistan 5% broken 345-355 ↔
Myanmar 5% broken 410-420 ↔
Cambodia 5% broken 430-440
↔
U.S. 4% broken 495-505
↔
Uruguay 5% broken NQ ↔
Argentina 5% broken NQ ↔
Long grain white rice - low quality
Thailand 25% broken 365-375 ↔
Vietnam 25% broken 325-335 ↔
Pakistan 25% broken 310-320 ↔
Cambodia 25% broken 415-425
↔
India 25% broken 360-370
↔
U.S. 15% broken 485-495
↔
Long grain parboiled rice
Thailand parboiled 100% stxd 405-415
↔
Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd 395-405
↔
India parboiled 5% broken stxd 390-400
↔
U.S. parboiled 4% broken 550-560
↔
Brazil parboiled 5% broken 570-580
↔
Uruguay parboiled 5% broken NQ
↔
Long grain fragrant rice
Thailand Hommali 92% 925-935
↔
Vietnam Jasmine 450-460
↔
India basmati 2% broken NQ
↔
Pakistan basmati 2% broken NQ
↔
Cambodia Phka Mails 785-795
↔
Brokens
Thailand A1 Super 320-330
↔
Vietnam 100% broken 305-315
↔
Pakistan 100% broken stxd 290-300
↔
Cambodia A1 Super 340-350 ↔
India 100% broken stxd 295-305
↔
Egypt medium grain brokens NQ
↔
U.S. pet food 405-415 ↔
Brazil half grain NQ ↔
All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel,
oryza.com
Mauritania's
Paddy Rice Production Reaches 202,000 Tons in 2013-14; Sufficient to Meet 69%
of Consumption
Feb 05, 2015
Mauritania is a net importer of
rice. It produces only 50% of the annual consumption needs and imports the
rest. USDA estimates the North-west African nation to produce around 167,000 tons
of rice, basis paddy (around 100,000 tons, basis milled), and import around
110,000 tons of rice, basis milled, in MY 2014-15 (October - September).
Oryza
Global Weather Outlook
Feb 05, 2015
Oryza Global Weather Outlook
Scattered rain is expected across
south-western Yangtze Valley and west central South China this week.Light rain is expected across northern Pakistan and
north-western India this week. In past few weeks,
continued dryness in south-eastern India has stressed the Rabi rice crop there.
Weather is expected to remain dry
in Bangladesh and Thailand.
Heavy rain is expected across
most of Indonesia this week.
A few rain showers are expected
across central and northern Vietnam this week.
Rain is expected across northern
Luzon and some parts in south-eastern Philippines this week.
Rain is expected across
centre-south Brazil, central and western portions of the north Brazil this week.
Light rain is expected across
western Uruguay and central Argentina this week.
In U.S., a few rain showers are expected across southern Delta this
week.
Oryza
Afternoon Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Bounce Higher as Market Attempts
to Convince Buyers that Bottom Has Been Formed
Feb 05, 2015
Chicago rough rice futures for
Mar delivery settled 20 cents per cwt (about $4 per ton) higher at $10.450 per
cwt (about $230 per ton). Rough rice futures bounced higher today as the market
appears to have found some buying support following Tuesday’s near term low of
$10.010 per cwt (about $221 per ton). Some trade commentators are pointing to a
floor being put in place and feel that a reversal should soon follow, however
judging by today’s trade volume trade participants have yet to be convinced.
In addition the markets inability
to break through yesterday’s high of $10.545 per cwt (about $232 per ton), or
close above nearby resistance noted at $10.500 per cwt (about $231 per ton),
are both seen as negative factors for coming sessions. Traders will keep a
close eye on these levels and a breakout above could likely trigger additional
technical short covering. The other grains finished higher today; Soybeans
closed about 1% higher at $9.8125 per bushel; wheat finished about 2.9% higher
at $5.2575 per bushel, and corn finished the day about 0.5% higher at $3.8525
per bushel.U.S. stocks traded higher on Thursday, encouraged by oil gains and
shaking off concerns about Greece and U.S. data ahead of tomorrow's
all-important jobs report. The major indices mostly recovered losses for 2015
with the Dow and Nasdaq in positive territory for the year. Oil recovered to
trade above $50 a barrel with gains of more than 6 percent after closing nearly
9% lower on Wednesday.
Movements in the commodity have
stayed within a $45 to $55 range this week. Among other morning reports, weekly
jobless claims came in at 278,000, below estimates of 290,000 and above last
week's 267,000 figure. Non-farm productivity fell a greater-than-expected 1.8%
for the fourth quarter. Economists had forecast productivity, which measures hourly
output per worker, rising at a 0.5% pace. The U.S. trade deficit for December
widened sharply to its highest level since 2012. The Commerce Department said
on Thursday the trade deficit jumped 17.1% to $46.6 billion, the largest since
November 2012. It was the biggest percentage increase since July 2009. Also
reporting earnings after the bell, CME Group will be in focus after the group
announced plans to close most of its futures trading pits in Chicago and New
York City by July 2 on Wednesday.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 175
points, or 0.99%, to 17,846. The S&P 500 gained 17 points, or 0.83%, to
2,058, with materials leading gains across all sectors. The Nasdaq gained 34
points, or 0.73%, to 4,751. Gold is trading marginally higher, crude oil is
seen trading about 4.1% higher, and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about 0.5%
lower at about 1:00pm Chicago time.Wednesday, there were 649 contracts
traded, down from 811 contracts traded on Tuesday. Open interest – the number
of contracts outstanding – on Wednesday increased by 31 contracts to 10,322.
Drought
to Affect About 160,000 Hectares of Thai Rice Area, Says Agriculture Ministry
Feb 05, 2015
The Agriculture Ministry is
estimating nearly 160,000 hectares or about 1.3% of the rice land to be
affected by drought. The Irrigation department has already announced that water
would not be provided for 2015 second/off-season (November - April) crop and is
persuading farmers to halve second crop production this year.
In its latest report on
production estimates, the Office of the Agricultural Economics (OAE) estimated
the output from the 2014-15 secondary/off-season crop at around 6.7 million
tons (around 4.4 million tons, basis milled), down about 31% from around 9.75
million tons (around 6.4 million tons, basis milled) last year. The OAE has
estimated the country's total paddy rice output for 2014-15 at around 33.8
million tons (around 22.3 million tons, basis milled), down about 8% from
around 36.8 million tons (around 24.3 million tons, basis milled) last year.The
government is also planning to reduce rice acreage by about 4.44 million
hectares (or about 39% of the total rice area of around 11.34 million hectares)
under an agricultural zoning system to grow other cash crops, such as
sugarcane, in the next 3-4 years.
While a rice production loss
could be a boon for the government of Thailand, especially at a time when it is
trying sell its huge rice stockpiles accumulated under the previous government’s
rice pledging scheme, this drought has so far only affected a small percentage
of paddy production and thus is unlikely to support prices. USDA
estimates Thailand to produce around 31 million tons of paddy rice (around 20.5
million tons, basis paddy) and export around 11 million tons in MY 2014-15.
Oryza
January 2015 Rice Market Review
Feb 05, 2015
The Oryza White Rice Index (WRI),
a weighted average of global white rice export quotes, ended the month of
January at about $422 per ton, down about $9 per ton from a month ago and down
about $42 per ton from a year ago.The International Grains Council (IGC) has
estimated the 2015 world rice trade at about 41.6 million tons, slightly down
from about 42 million tons in 2014 as a reduction in imports to Far Eastern
countries such as China, Indonesia and the Philippines is expected to be
partially offset by increased imports to other regions such as Africa. The IGC
estimates 2014-15 global rice production at about 474 million tons, slightly
down from about 475 million tons in 2013-14. It expects global rice consumption
in 2014-15 to increase to about 482 million tons, up about 1.2% from about 476
million tons in 2013-14 due to expected increased consumption in Asian
countries. It expects world rice ending stocks in 2014-15 to decline to about
101.6 million tons from about 109 million tons in the previous year.
Thailand
Thailand 5% broken rice ended the
month of January at about $405 per ton, down about 1% from a month ago and down
about 8% from a year ago.
The Thai Rice Exporters
Association (TREA) is estimates Thailand's 2015 rice exports will decline to
about 10 million tons, down about 9% from about 10.97 million tons exported in
2014 due to strong competition from Vietnam as well as falling oil prices, the President
of the Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA) said. He noted that most of
Thailand's export destinations in Africa depend on oil exports for their income
and falling crude oil prices has been putting a toll on the their incomes. In
this situation, they are expected to lower rice imports this year. He however,
said that Thailand's rice export prices are expected not to decline
significantly and to stay close to the current level of about $405 - $410 per
ton.
The Thai Commerce Ministry is
planning to sell about 10 million tons of stockpiled rice in 2015 and about 7
million tons in 2016. Meanwhile, Thailand auctioned to sell about one million
tons of rice in late January and this auction received an overwhelming
response. Nearly 100 bidders, including traders, exporters, millers and
retailers, participated in the bidding process held by the Foreign Trade
Department. The huge response is attributed to some changes made to the bidding
rules. The government fixed floor prices before auction. The floor prices
for white rice fixed at about 8-10 baht per kilogram (about $245-$307 per ton),
while the market price is quoted at about 13 baht per kilogram (about $399 per
ton). The government has fixed the floor price for Hom Mali rice at about 20-21
baht per kilogram (about $613-$644 per ton) compared to market price of about
31-33 baht per kilogram (about $950-$1,012 per ton). The Thailand government
also allowed prospective bidders to inspect samples of rice stocks being put up
for sale before the scheduled auction.
Losses from the rice pledging
schemes between 2004 and 2014 are estimated to cross the earlier estimations of
about $682 billion baht (about $21 billion) if depreciation and missing rice
stocks are also considered, local sources quoted the Finance Permanent
Secretary as saying. Separately, the government of Thailand has begun the sale
of bonds through the state-owned and commercial banks to clear the debts
associated with the rice pledging scheme, according to local sources. The
government hopes to raise about 100 billion baht (about $3 billion) from bond
sales this year.
Thailand sold about 681,740 tons
of rice in four tenders last year after the military government took over on
May 22, 2014; and the government has struck government-to-government deals for
about 570,000 tons last year.
Thai Commerce Ministry and the
TREA are also planning to carry out business missions to potential new rice
import markets such as Iran, Iraq and other Middle East nations as part of
efforts to promote Thai rice exports amid fears that falling oil prices would
affect the purchasing power of major importers and consequently their purchases
of Thai rice, according to local sources.
Thailand's Office of Agricultural
Economics (OAE) has estimated the country's paddy rice output for 2014-15 at
about 33.8 million tons (about 22.3 million tons, basis milled), down about 8%
from about 36.8 million tons (about 24.3 million tons, basis milled) last year,
according to a notice on its website. Meanwhile, Thailand's military-led government
is planning to reduce paddy rice production to about 33.73 million tons by
2016-17, down about 4% from an average of about 35.11 million tons over the
last six years to manage surplus rice stocks and boost prices, which have
declined significantly since the beginning of 2013.
The "sufficiency economy
philosophy" initiative undertaken by the Pid Thong Lang Phra (doing good
without any intention of getting anything back) foundation in the Nan province
of Northern Thailand has raised hope for several rice farmers, who have to
often bear losses in rice cultivation due to droughts and unavailability of
water.
India
India 5% broken rice ended the
month of January at about $400 per ton, up about 3% from a month ago and down
about 4% from a year ago. Average monthly wholesale rice prices in India
increased to about Rs.2,836 per quintal (about $461 per ton; using current
exchange rates) in January 2015, up about 4% from about Rs.2,730 per quintal
(about $426 per ton; using historical exchange rates) in December 2014, and up
about 4% from their year-ago levels of about Rs.2,720 (about $432 per ton;
using historical exchange rates) per quintal. Meanwhile, India basmati prices,
which already declined by about 40% to below $900 per ton from about $1,400 per
ton last year, are expected to decline further due to low export demand and
increasing inventories, according to local sources. Farmers increased basmati
rice acreage in the 2014 kharif rice season by about 40% to about 3.5 million
hectare from about 2.5 million hectares in anticipation of higher prices
similar to those last year. Now, the output has increased to about 8.5 million
tons from about 6.25 million tons last year. However, a basmati rice import ban
by Iran, which is India's major basmati rice importer, has severely impacted
basmati export demand and prices.
Meanwhile, the government of
India is planning to increase exports of rice as well as other agri-products,
textiles, auto components, pharmaceuticals, buffalo meat and marine products to
China as part of efforts to contain increasing trade deficit with the
neighboring country, according to the Economic Times. India's trade deficit
with China currently stands at about $32 billion and is expected to cross $40
billion by the end of this fiscal year, according to an official from the
Commerce Ministry.
The Indian government has
adequate agricultural seeds, including those of rice, for the 2015 kharif
season (June - December), according to a press release by the Ministry of
Agriculture. India government has also decided to revise the buffer norms for
food grains, including rice, in the Central Pool, according to a press release
by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
Separately, India's North Eastern
state of Mizoram has decided to import about 200,000 tons of rice from Myanmar,
according to local sources.
India’s rice stocks in the
central pool as of January 1, 2015 stood at about 22.79 million tons (including
a milled equivalent of about 16.996 million tons of paddy), down about 24% from
about 29.85 million tons recorded during the same time last year, according to
data from the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Vietnam
Vietnam 5% broken rice ended the
month of January at about $360 per ton, down about $6% from a month ago and
down about 11% from a year ago.
Vietnam exported about 169,358
tons of rice in January 1-29, 2015, down about 45% from about 307,255 million
tons of rice exported in full month of January 2014 and down about 64% from
about 472,575 tons of rice exported in full month of December 2014, according
to data from the Vietnam Food Association (VFA). Meanwhile, the VFA said that
Vietnam's rice exports in 2014 lagged behind expectation and were lowest in the
last four years, according to local sources. Vietnam exported about 6.316
million tons of rice in 2014 against an expected 7 million tons, stated the
VFA. Vietnam's 2014 rice exports were down about 6% from about 6.71
million tons of rice exported in 2013 and down about an average of about 7
million tons during 2010-13, according to data from the Vietnam Food
Association (VFA).
Vietnam has also agreed to export
about 240,000 tons of 5% broken rice to Malaysia between April - November 2015,
according to the Reuters. Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has
set out plans to intensify measures to boost rice exports in 2015 amid
exporters' fears of a likely tough year for Vietnamese rice exports this year
due to expected stiff competition with Thailand and India, and declining
demand, according to local sources. The Ministry is particularly planning to
increase exports to African, West Asian and South Asian markets as it expects
the Vietnamese rice to be more price competitive in these markets Vis-a-Vis
other rice exporters. It is keen on tapping the markets of Ivory Coast, Congo,
Kenya, Angola, Mozambique and Madagascar, Iran, Iraq and Bangladesh.
Vietnam has cut export floor
prices (minimum export prices) of higher quality and medium quality rice such
as 5%, 10% and 15% broken rice varieties to about $385 per ton, $375 per ton
and $365 per ton respectively and also cut the floor price of the lower quality
25% broken rice exports to about $360 per month, down about 5% from about $380
per ton due to subdued demand for Vietnamese rice.
Output from Vietnam's main
winter-spring crop harvest is likely to reach about 5 million tons, basis paddy
(about 3.125 million tons of milled rice), and most of it is meant for exports.
The VFA is planning to procure
entire paddy rice output from farmers to protect them from likely price falls
due to weakening export demand, according to local sources. Meanwhile, The
Vietnam government has allocated about VND322 billion (about $15.1 million)
from the state budget towards the development of the rice sector, according to
local sources.
Separately, experts have urged
the Vietnam government to develop a national brand for Vietnamese rice to
increase its competitiveness in the world rice market, according to local
sources.
Though Vietnam is the world's
second largest exporter of rice in 2012 and 2013, experts say the quality and
competitive edge of Vietnamese remains low compared to Thailand and India and
due to this Vietnam's rice sector has not been able to attract foreign
investments.
Pakistan
U.S. 4% broken rice ended the
month of January at about $500 per ton, down about 3% from a month ago and down
about 15% from a year ago. The CBOT rough rice future ended the month of
January at about $10.57 per cwt (about $233 per ton), down about 9% from a
month ago and down about 31% from a year ago. Average Pakistan basmati rice
export prices declined about 4% in 2014 (January - December) to about $1,324
per ton from about $1,372 per ton in 2013 due to increased output and subdued
export demand, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The decline has been in line with the global rice export prices. Especially
rice import ban by Iran has affected both India and Pakistan basmati rice
export prices.
The Pakistan Space and Upper
Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has estimated in its latest report
that Pakistan FY 2014-15 (July - June) paddy rice production will reach at
about 8.437 million tons (about 5.65 million tons, basis milled), down about
19% from about 10.04 million tons (about 6.72 million tons, basis milled)
produced last year. The report said that the rice production mainly declined
due to floods that hit the main rice producing state, Punjab, in the month of
August. About 217,000 tons of paddy is said to be lost in the Punjab state,
according to the report.
Meanwhile, Pakistan exported
about 490,371 tons of rice (including basmati and non-basmati) in December
2014, up about 7% from about 459,419 tons exported in November 2014, according
to provisional data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). In terms of
value, Pakistan's rice export earnings increased to about $238.2 million in
December 2014, up about 8% from about $221.2 million earned in November 2014.
The Rice Exporters Association of
Pakistan (REAP) has urged the government to focus on strengthening bilateral
relations with potential rice importing nations such as Bahrain, China,
Indonesia and Malaysia, according to local sources. The Senior Vice President
of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)
also urged the Pakistan government to consider more rice exports to China
keeping in view of the good relations between the two countries, according to
local sources. He told local sources that there is a lot of demand for
Pakistani rice in China and Pakistan is capable of exporting about 600,000 -
700,000 tons of rice to China. Pakistan exported about 353,675 tons of rice
worth $128 million to China in FY 2013-14 (July - June).
Pakistan's basmati rice stocks
have been increasing since 2011 due to increasing production and declining
exports, according to local sources. Currently, Pakistan has about 600,000 tons
of basmati stocks and traders are expecting to add another 400,000 tons this
year taking the stock level to about one million tons by the end of this year.
Pakistan is urged to frame strategies to increase exports to Iran, Iraq and
Saudi Arabia in order to clear the surplus stocks. Experts say the
Ministries of Food Security and Research, Finance and Commerce as well as local
governments and stakeholders should work together through mutual cooperation,
understanding and policy development.
Cambodia
Cambodia 5% broken rice ended the
month of January at about $445 per ton, down about 4% from a month ago and down
about 2% from a year ago.
The FAO has estimated Cambodia's
MY 2014-15 (January 2015 - December 2015) rice exports (including official and
unofficial exports to Thailand and Vietnam) to increase about 15% to about 1.15
million tons from an estimated 1 million tons in MY 2013-14. The agency
estimates Cambodia's total paddy rice production in 2014-15 at about 9.3
million tons (about 5.76 million tons, basis milled) , down 1% from about 9.39
million tons (about 6 million tons, basis milled) produced in 2013.
Meanwhile, Cambodia's Ministry of
Economy and Finance sent a draft memorandum of understanding in December 2014
to the Chinese government seeking a loan of about $300 million to build and
develop rice warehouses in the country, according to local sources. The
government is keen on building about 10 rice warehouses, which can store a
total of 1.2 million tons of paddy/rice, in the country to ensure uninterrupted
supplies to millers and exporters. Meanwhile, Cambodia Rice Federation
(CRF) has approved to raise the requisite fund for rice sector development
through the export fees paid by the rice exporters, according to local
sources.The CRF decided that its members should pay an export fee of about
$0.50 per tons of long-grain white rice and about $1 per ton of fragrant rice
towards the fund creation. The fund will reportedly used for educating rice
farmers about potential crop issues through television and newspaper
advertisements, as well as promoting Cambodian rice overseas.
South & Central America
Brazil 5% broken rice ended the month
of January at about $540, down about 2% from a month ago and down about 19%
from a year ago.
Brazil’s National Grains Supply
Company (Conab) has forecasted the country's 2014-15 paddy rice production at
about 12.198 million tons, slightly up from about 12.122 million tons in
2013-14. Conab slightly lowered its projections for Brazil 2014-15 paddy rice
production from its last month's projection of about 12.21 million tons. Brazil
rice stocks stood at about 351,860 tons in December 2014, down about 15% from
about 411,947 tons in November 2014 and about 61% from about 904,424 tons in
December 2013, according to the Conab. Brazil has exported about 1.24 million
tons of rice in 2014 (January – December), up about 2.5% from about 1.21
million tons rice exported during same time last year, according to data
released by the Rice Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (IRGA).
The USDA estimated Brazil's MY
2014-15 (April 2014 - March 2015) rice exports at about 900,000 tons, unchanged
from MY 2013-14 and unchanged from USDA's official estimates of about 900,000
tons. It estimates MY 2014-15 milled rice production at about 8.5 million tons,
up about 2.4% from an estimated 8.3 million tons last year; and up about 2.4%
from USDA's official estimates of about 8.3 million tons due to a slight
increase in paddy rice acreage.
Argentina has exported about 458,940 tons of rice in the first ten months
(January – October) of 2014, down about 14% from about 467,995 tons exported
during the same period in 2013, according to data from the Ministry of
Agriculture in Argentina. The USDA estimates Argentina to export about 580,000
tons of milled rice in 2015, down about 3% from an estimated 600,000 tons
exported in 2014 and down about 3% from the official USDA estimates of about
600,000 tons. The decline is attributed to a slight decline in the paddy rice
output in MY 2013-14 (April 2014 - March 2015). The Agency forecasts
Argentina's MY 2013-14 (April 2014 - March 2015) paddy rice production at about
1.462 million tons (about 950,000 tons, basis milled), down about 6% from about
1.56 million tons (about 1.014 million tons, basis milled) in MY 2012-13.
However, the USDA forecasts Argentina's MY 2014-15 (April 2015 - March 2016)
paddy rice production at about 1.5 million tons (about 975,000 tons, basis
milled), up about 3% from an estimated 1.46 million tons (about 950 million
tons, basis milled) in MY 2013-14 due a slight increase in planting area.
The USDA estimates Mexico's rice imports at about 775,000 tons in MY 2014-15 (October
2014 - September 2015), up about 10.7% from an estimated 700,000 ton in MY
2013-14, and unchanged from USDA's official estimates of 775,000 tons, based on
information from the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development,
Fisheries and Foodstuffs. In December 2014, Mexico has announced reinstatement
of 9% tariff on imported paddy rice and 20% tariff on husked, long grain and
other imported rice from all the countries that do not have free trade
agreements (FTAs). However, the U.S. is exempted from the tariff because of its
inclusion in the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The tariff rates
have been effective from January 9, 2015. The agency estimates total paddy rice
production for MY 2014-15 at about 226,000 tons (about 155,000, basis milled),
up about 18% from an estimated 191,000 tons (about 131,000, basis milled) in MY
2013-14 and up about 6% from USDA's official estimates of about 214,000 tons
(about 147,000 tons, basis milled).
U.S.
The USDA has forecasted U.S. MY
2014-15 all rice exports at about 4.67 million tons, up about 10% from an
estimated 4.24 million tons last year, and unchanged from its last month's
forecast of about 4.67 million tons. The USDA estimates 2014-15 U.S. All rice
imports at about 1 million tons, down about 4% from about 1.04 million tons and
up about 5% from its previous month's estimated of about 950,000 tons based on
the information about a large shipment of long-grain broken rice from Vietnam
reported in the November trade data released by the U.S. Census Bureau. In
addition, it estimates 2014-15 U.S. all rice production, basis paddy, at about
10.02 million tons, up about 16% from an estimated 8.61 million tons last year,
and slightly lower than previous month's estimates of about 10.03 million tons.
The USDA raised its estimates for U.S. MY 2014-15 all rice ending stocks by
about 3% to about 1.86 million tons from its last month's estimates of about
1.81 million tons.
Meanwhile, U.S. farmers and
members of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation urged the Secretary of
State to assist the U.S. rice farmers and exporters in enhancing rice exports
to Iraq.
The U.S. Treasury's Office of
Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has published the new trade norms with Cuba in
the Federal Register following the President's announcement to relax trade
restrictions on food items from the 50-year embargo with Cuba, according to a
news release on its website. According to the new norms, the term "cash in
advance" has been simplified and would mean "cash before transfer of
title or control". This would allow , Cuban importers to make
payment even while goods are in transit. The OFAC also indicated that U.S.
financial institutions would be allowed to open accounts at Cuban banks to
facilitate easier and quicker transactions.
Myanmar
The Myanmar government is
planning to export about 2.5 million tons of rice in FY 2015-16 (April -
March), up about 67% from an estimated 1.5 million tons in FY 2014-15, the
Chief Executive Officer of the Myanmar Rice Federation said.
Myanmar exported about 1.2 million tons of rice in FY 2013-14, according to
Commerce Ministry data.
Separately, Myanmar rice
exporters will begin exporting rice to China legally from April 2015
after a trade agreement is finalized between the two countries by the end
of February this year, local sources quoted the General Secretary of the
Myanmar Rice Federation said.
Africa
Nigeria's governor noted that the bank
has decided not to provide foreign exchange to support for the importation of
rice and other commodities, which can be grown in Nigeria locally. He
reiterated the need for cutting down imports to reduce downward pressure on the
Naira, which has depreciate by about 8% to about N167.5/USD from about
N155.2/USD during the last one year, according to data from the Central Bank of
Nigeria (CBN). He however, assured that the $10 billion reserves with the CBN
will presently help save the currency from devaluation.
The government of Niger has collaborated with the International Fund for Agriculture
Development (IFAD) to develop rice production and value chain, according to
local sources. The IFAD would provide N328 million (about $591,741) annually
for next six years, while the government would budget about N79.4 million
(about $143,245) per annum for the next six years towards the development of
rice and cassava value chain in the country, according to the Commissioner for
Agriculture and Rural Development.
The FAO has estimated Liberia to import about 350,000 tons of rice in 2015, up about 24% from
an estimated 282,250 tons in 2014 due to a reduction in paddy rice production
following the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Liberia's total
cereal imports are estimated at about 445,000 tons in 2015.
Liberia's 2014 paddy rice output is estimated to decline to about 237,000 tons
(about 174,000 tons, basis milled), down about 12% from about 270,000 tons in
2013, according to the FAO.
Senegal has imported about 871,100 tons
of rice in the first eleven months (January - November) 2014, up about 6% from
about 821,300 tons imported during the same period in 2013, according to data
from the Dakar-based Economic Analysis and Forecasts Branch (DEPEE).
In late January, Ghana's Ministry of Trade and Industry ruled out a total rice import
ban saying the decision would violate the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules,
according to local sources. Ghana's Ministry of Trade and Industry ruled out a
total rice import ban saying the decision would violate the World Trade
Organization (WTO) rules, according to local sources. Ghana's annual rice
import bill stood at $306 million in 2013 and the government is planning to
increase rice production by about 20% per annum over the next four years to
make Ghana self-sufficient in rice.
Madagascar imported about 363,423 tons of rice in 2014, down about 11%
from about 410,373 tons imported in 2013, according to local sources.
Madagascar produced about 4.3 million tons of rice in 2014, up about 19% from
about 3.6 million tons produced in 2013 due to well distributed rains in the
2013-14 cropping season.
The FAO has forecasted Mali 2014 paddy rice production at about 2.3 million tons (about
1.55 million tons, basis milled), up about 4% from about 2.2 million tons in
2013. Though most parts of the country witnessed erratic and below-average
rains until mid-July, rainfall improved from the last week of July leading to
better crop conditions, according to the FAO.
The FAO has estimated Sierra
Leone's 2015 milled rice imports at
about 215,000 tons, slightly up from 2014. The expected increase in imports is
attributed to shortfalls in 2014 production levels. The FAO estimates Sierra
Leone's 2014 milled rice production at about 770,000 tons (about 1.155 million
tons, basis paddy), down about 8% from about 831,600 tons (about 1.256 million
tons, basis paddy) in 2013.
The FAO has estimated Guinea's 2015 rice, basis milled, imports at about 320,000 tons, up
about 7% from about 300,000 tons in 2014. The probable increase in imports is
attributed to shortfalls in 2014 production levels that occurred due to the EVD
outbreak.
China
China has imported about 2.244
million tons of rice in the first eleven months of 2014 (January - November),
down about 1% from about 2.267 million tons imported during the same period
last year and it has exported about 345,369 tons of rice in January - November
2014, down about 39% from about 478,400 tons exported during the same period
last year, according to data from China Customs General Administration.
The Chinese government is
planning to increase production of grains, including rice, as well their
reserves to improve food security in the country, according to some sources.
Separately, In a response to
global media reports of China's increasing appetite for imported rice, amid
concerns about the quality of the nation's domestic rice, the China's Ministry
of Agriculture (MOA) Chief Economist defended the country's agricultural
products saying they are "generally safe and reliable." They said,
"The Chinese government attaches great importance to quality and safety of
agricultural products. Currently the overall quality of China's agricultural
products is safe and reliable, people's consumption is guaranteed."
Philippines
The FAO has forecasted the
Philippines 2014 rice imports to remain at last year's level of about 1.8
million tons reflecting the government's efforts to stabilize domestic rice
prices and replenish public stocks. Meanwhile, the National Food
Authority (NFA) of the Philippines is planning to import about 500,000 tons of
rice for delivery by May 2015 to boost its stockpiles ahead of the lean season
(June - August), according to Reuters. Philippines is also planning to export
hybrid rice to Papua New Guinea, according to local sources. The Chairman of SL
Agritech Corp, involved in the production of hybrid rice in the country, told
local sources the Philippine government will soon sign a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Papua New Guinea government to export rice Oceania
country.
The FAO forecasts Philippines
2014 paddy rice production at about 19.137 million tons (about 12 million tons,
basis milled) , up about 2% from an estimated 18.8 million tons (about 11.84
million tons, basis milled) in 2013 despite a 2% reduction in paddy rice
acreage due to sufficient irrigation water supply, expansion of irrigated
areas, improved seeds and higher fertilizer use. According to a report by the
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Philippines 2014 paddy rice output
has increased about 2.87% to about 18.97 million tons (about 11.95 million
tons, basis milled) from about 18.44 million tons (about 11.62 million tons,
basis milled) in 2013,. Separately, Philippines food secretary said buffer
stocks with the NFA are enough for 12-13 days, below the required norm of 15
day-stock. Total rice stocks in the Philippines as of December 1, 2014 reached
about 3.03 million tons, up about 3% from about 2.95 million tons recorded in
November 2014, and up about 22% from about 2.49 million tons recorded during
the same period last year, according to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics
(BAS).
The Philippines Department of
Agriculture (DA) is planning to increase investment in research and development
(R&D) of rice to boost production, according to local sources. The DA is
targeting to produce about 20 million tons of paddy rice in 2015, up about 6%
from an estimated 18.8 million tons in 2014. It is planning to achieve the
target by expanding paddy rice acreage and increasing the yield per hectare to
about 3.89 tons per hectare from the current 2.09 tons per hectare by using
high-yielding hybrid rice varieties.
Separately, the NFA has decided
to retain the paddy procurement price at about P17 per kilogram (about $390 per
ton) but provide more incentives to encourage farmers to sell their paddy to
the agency, according to local sources. The NFA Administrator told local sources
that the NFA cannot increase the price at which it will procure paddy from
farmers, but will provide additional incentives such as graduated delivery fee
of about P0.50 per kilogram (about $11.34 per ton), drying incentive of about
P0.20 per kilogram (about $4.54 per ton) and Cooperative Development Incentive
Fund assistance of about P0.30 per kilogram (about $6.81 per ton). He also
noted that the agency is also considering other benefits like health insurance
to farmers.
Europe
An analysis of basmati rice
imports by the European Union (EU) nations over the last three crop years
(2012-13 to 2014-15) shows that the share of India has been declining while
that of Pakistan has been increasing. The share of India's basmati rice in EU
basmati rice imports has declined from about 95% in 2012-13 to about 58% in
2014-15, while the share of Pakistan's basmati rice has increased from about 5%
in 2012-13 to about 42% in 2014-15. European nations imported about 118,478
tons in 2012-13, about 81,304 tons in 2013-14 and about 87,071 tons in 2014-15.
Separately, The EU has given more freedom to its member states to decide over
planting, field trials and commercialization of genetically modified (GM)
crops, including rice, according to the Financial Times.
European Union (EU) total milled
rice production (Japonica and Indica) is expected to decline to about 1.637
million tons in the marketing/crop year (MY) 2014-15 (September 2014 - August
2015), down about 7.5% from an estimated 1.77 million tons in MY 2013-14,
according to the latest balance sheet published by the EU Directorate General
for Agriculture and Rural Development. The agency forecasts EU milled rice
exports (to third countries) to increase to about 250,000 tons in MY 2014-15,
up about 18% from an estimated 212,000 tons in the previous year. It forecasts
EU milled rice imports (from third countries) also to increase to about 1.14
million tons, up about 8% from an estimated 1.059 million tons last year.
The Spanish government will
support the country’s rice sector with about 12.2 million euros (about $13.9
million), according to official sources. The amount also includes funds
allocated to the sector under the European Union (EU) Common Agricultural
Policy (CAP) as well as some contributions from local communities.
Other
Markets
The USDA has estimated Japan to import about 700,000 tons of rice in 2015, up about 8% from
an estimated 650,000 ton in 2014 due to an expected decline in production. The
agency eports that the 2014 rice production declined about 2% to about 7.679
million tons from about 7.832 million tons in 2013. The decline is attributed
to a decline in the planting area by about 1.5% y/y to about 1.573 million
hectares. Separately, Japan is considering to increase tariff-free rice import
quota from the U.S., as part of efforts to push forward the Trans-Pacific
Partnership (TPP) negotiations that have been stalled due to an impasse between
the U.S. and Japan over access to its farm markets, including rice, media
reported.
The USDA has estimated South
Korea to import about 560,000 tons of
rice in MY 2014-15 (November - October), including 408,000 tons of rice imports
under the WTO's Minimum Market Agreement (MMA) quota in the 2015 calendar year.
South Korea plans to complete its 2015 rice imports under the 2015 Tariff Rate
Quota (TRQ) purchasing plan between January - October 2015 through public open
tenders. The delivery is expected to be done by December 31, 2015. The agency
estimates South Korea to produce about 4.24 million tons of milled rice in MY
2014-15, slightly up from an estimated 4.23 million tons in MY 2013-14. It
expects the country's MY 2014-15 consumption to decline to about 4.356 million
tons, down about 2% from an estimated 4.434 million tons in MY 2013-14.
Meanwhile, the South Korean Agriculture Ministry officials said South Korea is
likely to face an oversupply of rice this year due to an expected increase in
production and a decline in consumption. The Ministry said the country is
likely to reach about 97% self-sufficiency in rice production and the Southeast
Asian nation's 2015 rice output may exceed last year's production of about 4.24
million tons. South Korea is also planning to lift the existing
restrictions on rice exports this year and the Agriculture Ministry is seeking
revisions to the requisite laws and clauses to allow the government to export
rice, according to Yonhap News.
The USDA estimates Russia to export about 160,000 tons of rice in 2015, up about 14% from
about 140,000 tons exported in 2014, and about 14% from USDA's official estimates
of about 140,000 tons due to an expected continuation of the depreciation of
the Russian ruble, which has been depreciating since September 2014. The USDA
has estimated Russia's 2015 rice imports to remain at last year's level of
about 250,000 tons. The agency estimates 2014-15 (January - December) Russia
milled rice production to increase to about 680,000 tons, up about 12% from an
estimated 608,000 tons last year due to an increase in area harvested area.
Based on preliminary estimates from various rice growing provinces, it
estimates the area sown for 2014-15 rice crop at about 195,000 hectares, up
about 4% from about 188,000 hectares in 2013-14.
The USDA has estimated Bangladesh to import about 500,000 tons of rice in MY 2014-15 (May -
April), down about 33% from an estimated 751,000 tons imported in MY 2013-14.
Imports in 2013-14 (mostly by private sector) increased due to competitive
Indian prices. The agency has estimated Bangladesh's 2014-15 milled rice
production to decline slightly to about 34.5 million tons, slightly up from an
estimated 34.39 due to expected lower Aman production (July - December), which
is likely to be affected from floods in northern Bangladesh, and rice blast and
drought in some areas. The Bangladesh government has planned to procure about
1.4 million tons of paddy and 200,000 tons of milled rice in 2014-15.
Separately, many private business firms, including multi-national corporations
(MNCs), are planning huge investments in Bangladesh's $6.4 billion rice milling
sector given a consistent and rising demand for rice in the country, according
to local sources.
The new zinc-enriched and
high-yielding paddy rice variety BRRI-Dhan-64, developed by the Bangladesh Rice
Research Institute (BRRI) is being popularized among farmers in the ongoing
boro crop season (January - May), according to local sources. The variety has
been developed specifically for boro season.
Bangladesh's Prime Minister
reiterated their government's willingness to export rice to India following
India's interest in buying about 20,000 - 30,000 tons of rice from Bangladesh,
according to local sources. The PM told the Parliament today that the
government will consider future rice exports after reviewing the food security
situation in the country. In mid - January, the Ministry of Food (MoF)
reportedly sent price proposals to India on December 21, 2014 and is waiting
for India's response. Bangladesh is understood to have proposed to export
coarse variety boiled rice to India at about $425-$430 per ton (CIF basis).
Indonesia's 2015 paddy rice
production is estimated to increase about 4% to about 73.4 million tons from an
estimated 70.61 million tons in 2014, the Agriculture Minister said. He expects
paddy rice output to reach 82.09 million ton by 2019. Meanwhile, The Indonesian
government has decided to increase the government rice purchasing price (HPP)
by about 10% to about Rp7,260 per kilogram (about $577 per ton) from the
current Rp6,600 per kilogram (about $524 per ton), according to local sources.
Indonesia's state buying agency Bulog is hoping that the country may not
need to import rice in 2015 due to sufficient stocks with it. According to
Bulog, the country currently has about 1.7 million tons with it and is
expecting about 600,000 tons of additional stocks in January 2015, about 1.2
million tons in February, about 3 million tons in March and about 1.9 million
tons in April.
Sri
Lanka's new government will release
the stored rice in its warehouses into open market before the harvesting season
of the 2014-15 Maha rice crop (September 2014 - April 2015) in February,
according to local sources. Separately, Sri Lanka's new government has
announced its plans to intervene in the rice market in order to ensure price
stability in the market, according to a news release by the Sri Lanka
Broadcasting Corporation. The government has decided to purchase paddy from
farmers at about Rs.50 per kilogram (about $376 per ton). It has also decided
to support rice millers by reducing electricity rates and interest rates on bank
loans taken by them. Sri Lanka's rice market is facing difficult times due to
prolonged drought conditions, which led to a decline in the paddy rice output
and increase in domestic rice prices.
The USDA estimates Australia to export about 400,000 tons of rice in 2015, down about 3%
from an estimated 446,000 tons exported in 2014 due to an expected decline in
production. The USDA's export estimations are unchanged from USDA's official
estimates of about 400,000 tons. The agency estimated Australia MY 2014-15
(March 2015 - February 2016) paddy rice production at about 710,000 tons (about
511,000, basis milled), down about 15% from an estimated 833,000 tons (about
699,000 tons, basis milled) in MY 2013-14 and slightly up from USDA official
estimates of about 700,000 tons due to lower acreage and adverse weather
conditions.
Separately, the Australian government is working closely with
the research scientists from Australia, Bangladesh, India and Nepal towards
improving rice productivity as well as profitability of about 7,000 small scale
farmers in the Eastern Gangetic plains of Nepal, Bangladesh and India,
according to local sources.
Research and Scientific Development:
Rice that is genetically modified
to contain folate can reduce problems associated with folate deficiencies,
according to researchers from the Belgium-based Ghent University.
IRRI has planned to construct a
new research facility that would solely cater to studying the impacts of
climate change on rice production, according to a press release on its website.
Taiwan's Council of Agriculture
and the IRRI have collaborated to carry out rice and other related agricultural
research, according to local sources.
A study by Chinese researchers
has found that growing of genetically modified rice can reduce pesticide usage
to a larger extent and thereby protect farmers from adverse effects of being
exposed to pesticides and fertilizers.
Researchers at the Central Rice
Research Institute of India have developed four new drought-resistant paddy
varieties - Ankit, Sachala, Gopinath, Maudamani - and another variety -
Chakaakhi - that can sustain in less water conditions suitable to grow in
India's Eastern state Odisha, according to local sources.
Bangladesh government has
released two new hybrid rice varieties - BADC Hybrid Dhan 2 and Buyer Hybrid
Dhan 4 - on Monday, according to local sources.
Pakistan Rice Millers Association
has collaborated with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization to
develop rice husk-based gasification power plants in the rice producing areas
of the country, according to local sources.
January Tenders:
Iraq issued a tender to buy about
30,000 tons of rice.
Maldives issued a tender to buy
about 9,000 tons of Rice.
Libya issued a tender to buy
about 25,000 tons tice.
Souh Korea issued a tender to buy
about 40,000 tons non-glutinous rice.
Iraq bought about 80,000 tons of
rice from Thailand.
Japan bought about 61,000 tons of
rice.
Taiwan has imported about 9,100
tons of rice from the U.S. under the first tranche of 2015 Country Specific
Quota (CSQ) Simultaneous Buy and Sell (SBS) tender.
Japan issued a tender to buy
about 30,000 tons of rice.
Japan has bought and sold a total
of about 895 tons of whole grain/brown rice of the U.S., Australia, Pakistan,
Thailand and Vietnam origins; and about 500 tons of broken rice of the Thailand
and Vietnam origins, in the sixth SBS (Simultaneous Buy-Sell) tender.
Local
Farmers Say Natural Farming Techniques Can Increase Rice Yields with Minimal
Costs
Feb 05, 2015
It has been proved by many
farmers that natural farming techniques are quite cheaper than much
sought-after organic farming with almost similar results. Also farmers say
their output is getting better price compared to rice grown with chemical
fertilizers. They say since the soil is pest free, crops are almost disease-resistant.Many
farmers across the state have shifted to natural farming methods as chemical
fertilizers and pesticides have been affecting the health of soil as well as
humans. Also there are no concerns of pesticide residues in the output. Using
these methods also means farmers need not take farm certifications for using
fertilizers and a lot of time is saved for land preparation.
They also told local sources that
adopting the natural farming methods has relieved them from debt traps as input
expenditure, especially in fertilizers and pesticides, as drastically come
down.Punjab is actually the biggest user of pesticides and fertilizers in
India, and excessive use of these chemicals has led to ecological degradation
of soil. There were also complaints of spotting fertilizer and pesticide
residues in the basmati rice grown in Punjab.
Oryza
U.S. Rough Rice Recap - Market Unchanged; New Sales to Colombia Welcomed
Feb
05, 2015
The U.S. cash market was
unchanged today however buy and sell interest continues to be very limited as
buyers remain mostly hand to mouth while most sellers are still waiting for
prices to improve.In the meantime, the USDA reported that cumulative net export
sales for the week ending on January 29, totaled 60,600 tons, which was 87% higher
than last week and 3% higher than the prior 4-week average.
Increases were reported for the
following destinations: 31,500 tons to Colombia, 8,800 tons to Honduras
including 8,000 tons switched from unknown destinations, 6,000 tons to
Saudi Arabia, 5,000 tons to Jordan, and 3,800 tons to Mexico. Decreases
of 3,000 tons were reported for unknown destinations as well as 700 tons to
Costa Rica and 300 tons to Guatemala.
U.S. rice exporters shipped
60,600 tons, which was 19% lower than last week and 24% lower than the prior
4-week average. The primary destinations included 17,800 tons to Costa
Rica, 16,700 tons to Haiti, 8,800 tons to Honduras, 4,700 tons to Mexico, and
4,700 tons to Guatemala.
Oryza Overnight Recap - Chicago Rough Rice
Futures Find Support in Decent Export Sales Report and on the Bank of Rallying
Crude
Feb
05, 2015
Chicago rough rice futures for Mar delivery are currently listed
19.5 cents per cwt (about $4 per ton) higher at $10.300 per cwt (about $230 per
ton) during early floor trading in Chicago. The other grains are all seen
trading higher as well: soybeans are currently seen about 0.6% higher, wheat is
listed about 2.4% higher and corn is currently noted about 0.7% higher.U.S.
stocks traded higher on Thursday, shaking off concerns about Greece and
lackluster U.S. data ahead of tomorrow's all-important jobs report.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average spiked 100 points in the
minutes following the open. Oil also recovered to trade just under $50 a barrel
with gains of more than 2% after closing nearly 9 percent lower on Wednesday.
The European Central Bank's announcement late on Wednesday that revoked a
waiver allowing banks to use Greek government debt as collateral for loans
rattled stocks slightly before the close. The Dow Jones Industrial Average
still eked out a positive gain of about 6 points, buoyed by Disney's nearly 8%
gain. Futures held gains after digesting U.S. economic data before the bell.
Weekly jobless claims came in at 278,000, below estimates of
290,000 and above last week's 267,000 figure. Non-farm productivity fell a
greater-than-expected 1.8% for the fourth quarter. Economists had forecast
productivity, which measures hourly output per worker, rising at a 0.5% pace.
Gold is currently trading about 0.5% lower, crude oil is seen trading about 3%
higher, and the U.S. dollar is currently trading about 0.1% lower at
8:30am Chicago time.
Rice
Husk with Worms Can Do Wonders!
Feb 05, 2015
Rice husk mixed with annelids
(segmented worms) can be transformed into organic humus that can used as
fertilizer in cultivation of rice and many other crops. The process of
transforming rice husk into organic manure is developed by a Spanish-Colombian
company Bioarroz (BioRiceHusk).
The developers claim that it can
in fact double rice production without polluting the soil with chemicals. It
can regenerate the heavily eroded soils as well. Third, the manure thus created
ecologically saves water. Fourth, the liquid calcium and silicon extracted can
be used for other industries.A Bioarroz plant installed in 5 hectares of rice
land is capable of recycled 1,500 tons of rice husk, about 3,700 tons of liquid
humus and 750 tons of solid humus. It process can be initiated in any rice
producing country.Developers of this project say it is more useful in a country
like Africa where there a lot of gap between demand for and supply of rice. The
project has been selected to participate in the Global Exhibition of Innovation
in Agriculture in March 2015 in Abu Dhabi.
Philippines
to Export Two Tons of Organic Black Rice to U.S.
Feb 05, 2015
Don Bosco MPC grows organic red
and black rice in about 500 hectares in the towns of M'lang, Tulunan, Midsayap
and President Roxas in North Cotabato and Surallah in South Cotabato. It
exports the same to Dubai, Hong Kong, Germany, Netherlands and the U.S.The
Philippines is a traditional importer of rice and has imported around imported
more than 1.8 million tons of rice (including 1.5 million tons of 2014 imports
and 300,000 tons of 2013 residual imports) in 2014 to replenish rice stocks and
control price hikes. It is initially planning to import 500,000 tons under
government-to-government deals in 2015.
Vietnam's
State-Owned Vinafood 2 to Modify Rice Purchasing Model
Feb 05, 2015
Vinafood 2 has reportedly
initiated the transition process by seeking cooperation from its subsidiaries
and rice merchants (to withdraw paddy sales from farmers) as well as commercial
banks. It has signed contracts with four banks - MHB, LienViet Post Bank,
VietBank and HD Bank - to provide loans to rice merchants, cooperatives, rice
suppliers and its subsidiaries for buying paddy from farmers on its
behalf.Experts noted that the decision would benefit Vinafood 2 as it has been
losing its monopoly in rice exports with many small rice exporters entering the
sector. However, they cautioned that the company should focus more on
developing the rice business chain as it has to carry out all phases of rice
production and processing before exporting the product.
Some suggested that Vinafood 2
could enter into agreements with local enterprises and outsource some
production and processing operations so that it could save time as well as
costs.Vietnam exported around 6.316 million tons of rice in 2014, down about 6%
from about 6.71 million tons of rice exported in 2013 and down about an average
of about 7 million tons during 2010-13, according to data from the Vietnam Food
Association (VFA). Vietnamese rice exporters are reportedly concerned of lower
exports this year due to stiff competition this year from Thailand, India and
Pakistan.USDA estimates Vietnam to export around 6.7 million tons of rice
in 2015, up about 3% from around 6.5 million tons exported in 2014.
"Training Is Everything. The Peach Was Once A Bitter
Almond; Cauliflower Is Nothing But Cabbage With A College Education." -
Mark Twain
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